From staff reports
More than 1,500 native tree seedlings are slated to be planted in Manistee, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Antrim counties during the week surrounding Earth Day, and the Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy seeks volunteers to help with this popular annual event.
“This is a perennial favorite activity that helps to restore habitat, promote species diversity, and filter pollutants from the air and water,” said Jon Throop, GTRLC volunteer and events program manager.
Several tree-planting opportunities are available. Virtual volunteer orientation sessions will be held at noon on April 18, 19, and 23. To sign up for a session, go to http://www.gtrlc.org/volunteer/calendar.
Manistee County volunteers may sign up (space is limited, due to COVID-19) for an April 28 tree-planting session, from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., on designated sections of a conservation easement. Located on the Lower Manistee River, the riparian location is described on GTRLC’s website, which states : “This is an unusual chance to visit a beautiful private property that brings immense conservation value to the local ecosystem.”
Benzie County volunteers are asked to sign up (again, space is limited) to meet at Ransom Lake Natural Area, 5501 Lake Ann Road, Lake Ann, from 9:45 a.m. to 12 p.m., April 27. This session is for trail “blazing,” replacing damaged boards on walkways, building a short section of trail around a wetland and trimming vegetation along trail corridors.
Opportunities to help plant trees in other counties are found on the same volunteer calendar.
Volunteers are encouraged to dress for unpredictable weather by layering their clothing. They are also advised to wear sturdy closed-toe shoes suitable for muddy conditions, bring a pair of work gloves, fill a reusable water bottle and carry a face mask — which may be required, as appropriate.
GTRLC offers a diverse schedule of activities and events for community members, helping them find ways to make a positive impact on their local environment.
The Grand Traverse Regional Land Conservancy’s mission is to protect significant natural areas, scenic properties, and farm lands — and to advance stewardship, now and for future generations. Since 1991, the conservancy has protected 46,000 acres of land and more than 150 miles of shoreline with the help of willing landowners in Antrim, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska and Manistee counties. The organization owns and manages almost 40 nature preserves which are open to the public. For more information, go to www.gtrlc.org.
